I’m not the kind of gal that goes into a furniture store and picks out her home furniture.  My hubby and I find this to be a bit of a “cookie cutter” style for us.  We prefer to find unique pieces that are functional.  Of course, they need to be inexpensive.  TodayI’m going to show you how to take a few old pieces and make them into something great.  I hope this will inspire you to look around your home to repurpose some items.

Here are two apple crates that we’re using as bookcases.  My hubby and I found these in …read more

Guest post by Lou Manfredini, of Ace Hardware.
Your home’s entry is the next thing people see after they walk up to your home. Think of it as curb appeal… but for the inside.

This is Lou Manfredini, Ace’s “Helpful Hardware Man,” and if you came to my house about six months ago you would have found a pile of shoes, which my four children seem to think belong right by the door. I found that having a place designated to store things gives you a better chance that they will actually get put away. If you have the space, place a …read more

Sometimes I find some great deals and I’m so excited about it that I have to share it with all you thrifty folks.  My latest deal is this oak entertainment center/armoire. 

My hubby and I dropped by the local antique/furniture/junk store this week.  We just never know what we’ll find.  I have been dropping in there frequently lately because I was looking for something for my tv to sit on.  I found a beautiful big dresser but it was $350.  Ouch.  I even considered it.  After all, it would be a lifelong beautiful piece.  Thankfully, we went back a few days …read more

Recently I was talking to a friend.  In the conversation, I mentioned that I was going on a business trip to New York and regretted that I couldn’t stay a few more days and site see.  When he asked why, I told him that we had recently purchased a home and didn’t have any extra money at the moment.  He replied that he had always been a renter and always would be because he liked having the freedom and extra money in his pocket.

His comment really got me to thinking.  Would someone really be a renter forever?  Here are some reasons why I …read more

We are still in the process of making a local move to the house we just purchased.  Naturally, I have moving on my mind.  Last week, I pointed out a few ways to save money when moving and today I’ll add to the money saving tips.

4)  Don’t buy new boxes.  The last time my husband and I moved, we bought about eight boxes.  The rest were boxes that we picked up from grocery stores, Wal-Mart, and other places.  If you like for all of your boxes to be the same size, then try purchasing used moving boxes.  I’ve even seen …read more

It all finally happened.  Our house finally sold and we found one here to buy.  We jumped through all the crazy hoops they now have in place to prevent foreclosures.  We closed on the sale of the house this week and we’re trying to move and settle in to our new home. 

As you all now, I’m a bit of a tightwad and I try to save money whenever I can so here are some money saving tips to consider when moving:
1)  Do it yourself!  Don’t hire a moving crew.  They charge an enormous amount of money to move your stuff.  Try to …read more

Last week, I discussed some ways to save on decorating your home.  We learned that money could be saved from shopping for used items by using Craigslist, yard sales, and thrift stores and also how an inexpensive item like paint can transform a room.  Today we’re going to see that there are more ways to decorate on the cheap.

4.  Repurpose what you have.  Paint that old lamp or picture frame. Change your night stand into a bookshelf.  Recover your old pillows with fabric. Use a sheet for window treatments. 
5.  Get an outside opinion.  It helps to ask someone else’s opinion for ways …read more

Many of us think of our home as our castle.  We want it to look warm, inviting, and relaxing, yet we don’t have a lot of money to spend on decorating.  Today, I’ll begin to share with you some tips for decorating and furnishing your home on the cheap.

1.  Shop yard sales and thrift stores.  I’ve been doing this for years.  Just a few months ago I was at a yard sale and found a really nice living room couch and oversized chair.  The person I bought it from had only used it for a year.  She paid $1200 for it and …read more

We’re finally selling our house.  You’d expect me to be jumping up and down with excitement, but I’m not.

You see, almost four years ago we bought a house.  We lived in it, fixed it up, and cared for it.  We wanted to make it a special place for our family.  Now here we are selling it and taking a loss.  A big loss.  We actually have to borrow money to sell it.  You may be wondering why I would be borrowing money to sell a house.  Well, it’s been on the market for eight months.  As you can imagine, the upkeep on …read more

Are you a messy? Do you want to move through indecision and fear and begin clearing your house of clutter? If so, you may want to attend this free teleclass from Messies Anonymous Headquarters.
Sandra Felton,The Organizer Lady® will be speaking about the ideas found in her 24 page booklet I’ve Got to Get Rid of This Stuff.
WHEN? Wednesday, March 18, 2009
TIME? 9 PM Eastern Time, 8 Central, 7 Mountain, 6 Pacific
HOW LONG? One hour has been set aside for your burning questions.
COST? FREE There is no charge for the teleclass.  Of course, regular telephone charges will apply just like when …read more